Jeanette Angeles Hilot taught mathematics for more than a decade before starting a family prompted her to leave full-time instruction and work as a tutor. When she was inquiring about setting up financing plans for her children’s education, her advisor recommended that she train and join the profession. She was intrigued, seeing a financial advisor career as a bridge connecting her classroom abilities with promoting financial literacy and wellness.

How did your education background influence how you connect with prospects and clients?

As a former educator, I’ve honed my ability to connect with diverse personalities, ages and characters. Just as I adjusted my teaching style to suit students, parents and administrators, I can adapt to meet the needs of each prospect or client. Some prefer the conversation in Tagalog, some in English, and some even in “Taglish.” Catering to their preferences makes my approach more effective.

Which teaching skills have helped you the most as an advisor?

Teaching has equipped me with invaluable skills that I integrate into my financial advisor role. I structure client presentations like classroom discussions following a systematic approach. First, I review the prospect’s knowledge of insurance concepts, ensuring clarity and understanding. Second, I motivate them by raising their curiosity and acknowledging their financial efforts. Third, I delve into a personalized financial plan tailored to their needs. Fourth, I discuss how their financial plan is relevant to their lives. Fifth, I incorporate differentiated activities such as sharing client successes, stories or addressing specific financial concerns. Lastly, I assess their readiness to commit to the plan and provide after-sales services.

How do you connect with clients and prospects?

My clients or prospects appreciate my gentle tone during meetings. I’ll even accompany them to medical checkups for insurance applications, demonstrating my commitment to their financial well-being. I connect online by following a content calendar. I create each post using my personal Facebook account rather than a professional account to engage and resonate with my audience through personal stories, financial investment tips, client testimonials, motivational phrases and infographics. When branding yourself online, you must be interesting and share the real you.

What is one lesson you teach your clients that has contributed to your success as a financial advisor?

One crucial lesson that I impart to my clients is the importance of financial protection. I emphasize the significance of building a robust financial foundation to mitigate the impact of unforeseen events. As financial advisors, we aim to safeguard our clients’ futures. Every interaction contributes to enhancing their understanding of insurance and securing their financial well-being.